Marvel Jacobsen

Marvel Lou Jacobsen was born on April 6, 1935, to Louie J. and Alma A. (Gruhn) Thomsen near Gray, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed her faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Marvel graduated from Harlan High School with the Class of 1953. Following her education, she worked as a telephone operator in Harlan and for the Mutual of Omaha.

On February 1, 1957, Marvel was united in marriage to Frederick I. Jacobsen at her parents’ home in Harlan. The couple made their home on the family farm in Center Township near Prairie Rose Lake, where they were blessed with three children: Rick, Kirk, and Marcia.

Marvel devoted herself to raising her children and creating a warm, welcoming home. She took pride in keeping her house neat and her yard beautiful. During planting and harvest seasons, she made sure the help in the fields was well-fed, always bringing out warm meals. She tended a large vegetable garden and enjoyed canning the produce she grew. In 1994, Marvel and Fred moved into Harlan. Later in life, she helped clean the church.

Marvel was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. She loved spending time with family and friends, and she and Fred were active members of a card club, often gathering at Fred’s cousins’ homes to play pinochle. Family gatherings, especially the 4th of July “gang” celebrations and reunions, were highlights of her year. Her family will fondly remember her delicious baking, her cookies and bars were always a hit. One of Marvel’s greatest joys was watching her daughter, Marcia, pitch softball throughout high school and college. She made many lifelong friends traveling to cheer her on. Marvel cherished her family deeply and treasured every moment spent making memories with them.

Marvel passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 90 years, six months and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred Jacobsen; and daughter-in-law, Pam Jacobsen.

Marvel is survived by her three children: Ricky Lee Jacobsen of Omaha, Nebraska, Kirk Alan Jacobsen of Harlan and Marcia Linn (Paul) Currie of Salt Lake City, Utah; four grandchildren: Jacob Currie, Amanda Currie (Dustin Hughes), April Brudny (Eric Bash) and Jeremy Brudny (Terri Schafer); great-granddaughter, Breanna (Benny) Hernandez; brother, Roger Thomsen; nieces and nephews; and other family member and friends.

Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, all at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.